New Delhi: Once the central or state government fixes and notifies the retail sale price, retailers cannot sell essential commodities such as pulses, sugar, milk and edible oils at higher prices in the guise of selling such items in packets.

Learning from the recent experiences of an exceptional spurt in prices of pulses and particularly, a huge difference between dal sold loose and in packets, the consumer affairs ministry has modified the legal metrology (packaged commodities) rules enabling governments to fix retail prices.

The modification says, "If the retail sale price of any essential commodity is fixed and notified by the competent authority under Essential Commodities Act, the same shall apply."

The notification issued on September 7 also says that once the government fixes and notifies the standard quantity such as 500 grams, one kg or two kg , the retailers will have to comply with the norms.

Officials said violation of packaged commodities rules can invite a fine of 5,000 and detaining of the entire stock. "Fine is not that big a deterrent as detaining the entire stock is. The retailer cannot sell or dispose of the entire quantity under this law," said a source.

He added that enforcement of these new norms will nullify the concept of maximum retail price (MRP) in case of essential commodities. "The government has been forced to look for such measures as abnormal increase in prices of pulses has been artificially created," the source said.

Last year, Haryana government had fixed the MRP on pulses for retail sale. Maharashtra is also working to enact a law to fix MRP when there is spurt and to curb hoarding.